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decomposing-tasks

Productivity
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Break down large tasks into smaller, actionable items. Use when planning sprints, estimating work, or creating implementation plans. Covers task breakdown strategies.

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How to use this skill

Bring this guide into your coding agent with a prompt tailored to the tool you use.

  1. Open your project in Codex.
  2. Copy the prompt below and paste it into your agent.
  3. Review the proposed files and risks before you approve installation.
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I want to install this Agent Skill for this project in Codex.

Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/planning/decomposing-tasks/SKILL.md

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First, summarize what it does, its dependencies, license status if identifiable, and any risks. Show the exact files you propose to add under .agents/skills/decomposing-tasks/. Do not write files or run scripts until I approve.

After I approve, install the complete skill folder, including required referenced files, into that project location. Verify it is discoverable, then tell me its actual invocation name and how to use it. Do not claim it is installed until you have verified it.

Copying this prompt does not install or run the skill. Review third-party files before use. Codex skill guide

Decomposing Tasks

Workflows

  • Understand Scope: What is the full scope of work?
  • Identify Components: What are the major pieces?
  • Break Down: Split into 1-2 day tasks
  • Order: Define dependencies and sequence
  • Validate: Can each task be demo'd/tested?

Task Size Guidelines

Too Big

  • "Build the authentication system"
  • Cannot be completed in 1-2 days
  • Cannot be tested independently

Just Right

  • "Create login API endpoint"
  • "Add password validation"
  • "Implement JWT token generation"

Too Small

  • "Add semicolon"
  • "Rename variable"
  • Not worth tracking separately

Decomposition Strategies

Vertical Slicing

Cut through all layers for one feature.

Feature: User Login
├── API endpoint (POST /login)
├── Input validation
├── Database query
├── JWT generation
├── Error handling
└── Integration test

Horizontal Slicing

Complete one layer at a time.

Database Layer
├── Users table
├── Sessions table
└── Indexes

API Layer
├── Login endpoint
├── Logout endpoint
└── Refresh endpoint

SPIDR Method

  • Spike: Research/investigation task
  • Path: Main flow implementation
  • Interface: API/UI contract
  • Data: Storage and schemas
  • Rules: Business logic and validation

Task Template

## Task: [Title]

**Description**: [What needs to be done]

**Acceptance Criteria**:
- [ ] [Criterion 1]
- [ ] [Criterion 2]

**Dependencies**: [What must be done first]

**Estimate**: [X hours/points]

Definition of Done

Every task should have:

  • Code complete and reviewed
  • Tests written and passing
  • Documentation updated
  • Deployed to staging